Kiunga Marine National Reserve

An Enchanted Underwater World with Paradise Islands and Pristine Mangrove Forests

Further north along Kenya’s spectacular Indian Ocean coast is the Kiunga Marine National Reserve. This pristine ecosystem incorporates a chain of about 50 calcareous offshore islands and coral reefs in the Lamu Archipelago. Visitors can view the teeming sea life in the coral reefs, sea grass and extensive mangrove forests which are a refuge for sea turtles and dugongs. The reserve provides ideal opportunities for wind surfing, diving and snorkelling, water skiing and sunbathing.

Kiunga has got it all. Containing a diversity of landscapes, seascapes, mangroves, mudflats, lagoons, sand dunes, beaches, sand islands, raised reef islands, sea-grass beds, and coral reefs, this the biggest mangrove stand in Kenya with the tallest mangrove trees reaching 30 meters high.

Attractions & Activities

The reserve’s location at the convergence of two major ocean currents creates unique ecological conditions that nurture three inter-dependent marine habitats; mangroves, sea grass beds and coral reefs. The coral reefs found within Kiunga are comprised of mainly patch reefs, with fringing reefs in the northern part. Vegetation includes Microscopic marine plants and dugong grass, coastal scrubland and mangrove swamps. The marine life consists of fringing offshore reefs with approximately 50 coral islands hosting an abundant reef fish population. Kiunga is home to the Dugong, the most threatened marine mammal. Also present are the sea turtles (olive ridley and leatherback). Birdlife includes a host of seabirds in large nesting colonies and international significant numbers of Crab Plover and Roseate Tern.

Visitors can enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, sun bathing, water skiing and Mangrove tours. The most rewarding time for snorkeling over the coral reef is two hours either side of low tide. This is the time when the greatest amount of marine life is revealed including the endangered sea dugongs and turtles that live here.